Wheelbarrel with pivoting hopper

ABSTRACT

A wheelbarrow that includes a frame assembly and a hopper assembly. The frame assembly has at least one wheel rotatably coupled thereto and a forward extension extending beyond the at least one wheel. The hopper assembly has a hopper. The hopper is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at a first pivot point. The forward extension has a ground contact point structured to act as a second pivot point. The hopper is structured to be emptied by pivoting the hopper about either the first or the second pivot points. The first and second pivot points are stationary pivot points when the hopper is being emptied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to wheelbarrows and, more specifically, to awheelbarrow having a pivoting hopper.

2. Background Information

Wheelbarrows are well known in the art. Typically, a wheelbarrowincludes a hopper, a yoke, a wheel, and a brace. The yoke includes twoelongated members typically joined by a nose guard at the forward mostpoint. The elongated members may be shaped to be lower at the forwardend and higher at the back end. The back end of the yoke members areused as handles. The hopper rests on, or in between, a medial portion ofthe yoke members. The wheel is disposed on an axle that extends betweenthe yoke members adjacent to the front end of the yoke and behind thenose guard. Alternatively, the wheelbarrow may not have a nose guard andthe wheel may extend beyond the yoke. A brace typically includes two legmembers which extend downwardly from each yoke member adjacent to theback side of the hopper.

In this configuration, and when the wheelbarrow is not in motion, thewheelbarrow rests on the two leg members and the wheel. Friction betweenthe ground and the leg members typically arrests the rolling movement ofthe wheel. To move the wheelbarrow, the user lifts on the handle portionof the yoke so that leg members are raised off the ground. Thewheelbarrow may then be moved on the wheel. The hopper on thewheelbarrow may be used to transport various items, and is particularlyadapted to hold granulated materials such as, but not limited to, sand,gravel and cement. While the hopper may be emptied by tilting the hopperto one side, users often wish to empty the hopper over the front edge.To empty the hopper forwardly, the user lifted the handles causing theyoke, and therefore the hopper, to pivot about the wheel. Continuedlifting on the handles caused the nose guard to contact the ground. Atthat point, additional lifting on the handles cause the entirewheelbarrow to pivot about the nose guard, thereby further tilting thehopper.

There are several disadvantages to the traditional wheelbarrow. Forexample, with a single front wheel, the wheelbarrow is prone to tiplaterally while in motion. Additionally, in order to empty the hopperforwardly, the user must stand behind the wheelbarrow. This positiongenerally precludes the user from seeing where the contents of thehopper fall. Thus, for example, a user trying to pour concrete into anarrow form may initially miss the form. Also, when the hopper is veryfull, the material in the hopper may spill out before the nose guard hascontacted the ground. In this situation, the wheelbarrow is very likelyto roll on the wheel as there is no mechanism for stopping such amotion. Additionally, even when the nose guard is contacting the ground,the traditional wheelbarrow provides the user with a limited amount ofcontrol as to the speed of material emptying from the hopper.

The disadvantages of the traditional wheelbarrow have been addressedpiecemeal. For example, to address the issue of tipping sideways duringmovement, wheelbarrows have been adapted to have two spaced wheels. Toaddress the issue of controlling the rate of emptying the hopper,wheelbarrows have been adapted to have pivotal hoppers coupled to aframe. These pivoting hopper wheelbarrows have always had a forwardwheel, or wheels. These wheelbarrows contemplated using the pivotinghopper as the only means of emptying the hopper. That is, if a userwished to tilt the hopper by lifting on the frame, a wheelbarrow withone or more forward wheels would tend to roll once the brace was liftedoff the ground. This is a disadvantage as the hopper was typically notstructured to tip to a fully vertical position and therefore wasdifficult to empty completely. Thus, the prior art pivoting hopperwheelbarrows were difficult to control as they did not include twostationary pivot points.

There is, therefore, a need for a wheelbarrow structured so that theuser may utilize either of two stationary pivot points to empty thehopper.

There is a further need for a wheelbarrow structured with a pivotalhopper coupled to a frame and a frame having a ground contact point thatengages the ground when the wheelbarrow is at rest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by the present invention whichdiscloses a wheelbarrow having a hopper pivotally coupled to a frameassembly. The frame assembly supports the hopper and includes two spacedwheels coupled to frame members. The frame assembly includes a handlemember disposed behind the wheels and forward extensions which extend tothe front of the wheels. The forward extensions act as a brace when thewheelbarrow is at rest. When a user lifts on the handle member, thewheelbarrow pivots about the lower, forward most point on the forwardextensions. This action also lifts the wheels off the ground so that thewheelbarrow does not roll. Preferably, the hopper is pivotally coupledto the frame assembly at the front edge of the hopper. Thus, when a userwishes to empty the hopper, the user may pivot the hopper about eitheror both pivot points. When using the pivoting hopper only, the user isnot lifting the entire wheelbarrow, the load the user lifts is smallerand the user generally has greater control. Additionally, the user maystand to the side of the hopper while lifting the hopper so that she maysee where the contents of the hopper are falling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the wheelbarrow of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 1 showing a hopper in apivoted position.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the wheelbarrow in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the wheelbarrow of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, directional terms, such as, but not limited to,“forward,” “right,” “left,” “upper” and “lower,” correspond to theorientation of the wheelbarrow from the perspective of a user standingat the handle member looking toward the hopper—that is, the normalposition a user would occupy to move the wheelbarrow. Such directionalterms are not limiting upon the claims.

As used herein, a wheelbarrow is considered “stationary” when a brace,or similar structure, is engaging the ground so that the wheel may notroll without overcoming the static friction between the brace and theground.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the present invention provides a wheelbarrow 10having a frame assembly 12 and a hopper assembly 14. The frame assembly12 includes a plurality of rigid frame members 16. The frame members 16preferably form symmetrical right and left frames 18, 20, respectively(FIG. 3). Each frame 18, 20 includes an elongated handle portion 22, anaxle mount 24, a forward extension 26, and a riser 28. The handleportion 22 and the forward extension 26 are joined at a first vertex 30.The forward extension 26 extends at an angle relative to the handleportion 22. The angle of the first vertex 30 is, preferably, less thanabout a 90 degree angle. The axle mount 24 is, preferably, disposedadjacent to the first vertex 30. The forward extension 26 and the riser28 are joined at a second vertex 32. The riser 28 extends at an anglerelative to the forward extension 26. The angle of the second vertex 32is, preferably, less than about a 90 degree angle. The riser 28 is,preferably, shorter than the handle portion 22. The riser 28 includes adistal end portion 36 that is structured to be pivotally coupled to thehopper assembly 14. That is, the riser distal end portion 36 includes astructure such as, but not limited to, a pivot rod or an opening for apivot rod (not shown). It is also possible, however, to have the riser28 extend from a medial point (not shown) on the forward extension 26.Thus, the forward extension 26 could extend beyond the riser 28.

As described below, the hopper 60 may be emptied by pivoting thewheelbarrow 10 about the lowest, forward point on the frame assembly 12.The forward extension 26 has a ground contact point 27 at the lowest,forward point on the frame assembly 12. The ground contact point 27 alsoacts as a brace when the wheelbarrow 10 is at rest. Thus, in thisconfiguration, when the wheelbarrow is at rest the ground contact point27 of the brace is located in front of the wheel 52 (described below).When the wheelbarrow 10 is tipped, as described below, the tippingmotion lifts the wheel 52 off the ground first as the wheelbarrow 10pivots about the ground contact point 27. In the embodiment shown in theFigures, the second vertex 32 is the lowest, forward point on the frameassembly 12. Thus, as described below, the second vertex 32 is theground contact point 27 that acts as a pivot point when emptying thehopper 60. Accordingly, the second vertex 32 may be protected by ashield member 34. The shield member 34 may have a non-slip lowersurface.

As noted above, the frame assembly 12 preferably has a right and leftframe 18, 20. Hereinafter, the various elements of the right frame 18will be followed by the letter “A” and the various elements of the leftframe 20 will be followed by the letter “B.” For example, the handleportion 22 on the right frame 18 is identified as the right frame handleportion 22A, while the handle portion 22 on the left frame 20 isidentified as the left frame handle portion 22B. The right frame 18 andthe left frame 20 are held in a spaced relation by a plurality of crossmembers 40 as well as the hopper assembly 14. The cross members 40include a handle member 42 and a hopper assembly support 44. Asdescribed below, the hopper assembly 14 is pivotally couple to therisers 28A, 28B and thereby holds the risers 28A, 28B in a spacedrelation. Additionally, the frame assembly 12 further includes an axle50 and at least one wheel 52. In a preferred embodiment, and as shown inthe Figures, there are two wheels 52. The axle 50 is rotatably coupledto the frames 18, 20 by the axle mounts 24A, 24B. The wheels 52 arecoupled to opposite ends of the axle 50.

The hopper assembly 14 includes a hopper 60 and a hopper assembly frameassembly 62. The hopper 60 includes a generally flat base plate 64having a depending, flared peripheral sidewall 66. The sidewall 66 mayhave shorter front side 68 and a taller back side 70. The hopperassembly frame assembly 62 includes a plurality of rigid members 72. Thehopper assembly frame assembly rigid members 72 include two generallyL-shaped members, a right L-shaped member 74A and a left L-shaped member74B. As with the frames 18, 20 described above, similar elements of thehopper assembly frame assembly 62 shall be described with similarreference numbers having and “A” or “B” to designate the right and leftsides, respectively. The L-shaped members 74A, 74B correspond to theshape of the hopper 60 and are structured to be coupled to the lowerside and back side of the hopper 60. Each L-shaped member 74A, 74B has alower, front leg 76A, 76B and an upper back leg 78A, 78B. Each lower,front leg 76A, 76B is structured to be coupled to the lower side of thehopper base plate 64. Each upper back leg 78A, 78B is structured to becoupled to the outer side of the hopper back side 70. Each lower, frontleg 76A, 76B has a distal end portion 80A, 80B. Each upper back leg 78A,78B may have a handle portion 82A, 82B. As shown in the Figures, thehopper handle portion 82A, 82B extends generally perpendicular to thehopper back side 70. It is noted, however, that the hopper handleportion 82A, 82B may extend in any direction including, but not limitedto, extending parallel to the associated upper back leg 78A, 78B orextending in a generally forward direction. A hopper handle member 84extends between the two hopper handle portions 82A, 82B. The L-shapedmembers 74A, 74B are coupled to the hopper 60 in a spaced relation.

When assembled, the wheelbarrow 10 has the hopper assembly 14 pivotallycoupled to the frame assembly 12 at a first pivot point 90. Preferably,the hopper lower, front leg distal end portions 80A, 80B are pivotallycoupled to the riser distal end portions 36A, 36B. Thus, the front edge69 of the hopper 60 is adjacent to the pivotal connection to the frameassembly 12. The hopper assembly 14 is structured to move between afirst lower position, wherein the hopper base plate 64 is generallyparallel to the forward extensions 26A, 26B, and a second, tiltedposition, wherein the hopper base plate 64 is angled relative to theforward extensions 26A, 26B. In the first position, the hopper assemblyback side 70 rests on the hopper assembly support 44. The hopperassembly support 44 is positioned on the handle portions 22A, 22B at alocation so that when the hopper assembly 14 is in the first position,the hopper base plate 64 is generally flat or tilted toward the hopperback side 70. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the hopper assembly 14moves from the first position to the second position, the hopperassembly 14 pivots in a clockwise direction about the first pivot point90.

In operation, the wheelbarrow 10 is operated as follows. Typically, thehopper 60 is filled with a material. At rest, the hopper assembly 14 isin the first position and the wheelbarrow 10 is supported by the wheels52 and the shield members 34A, 34B. That is, the shield members 34A, 34Bact as a brace supporting the front end of the hopper assembly 14.Additionally, the shield members 34A, 34B, which preferably include aslip resistant lower surface, arrest the rotation of the wheels 52. Assuch, when the shield members 34A, 34B are in contact with the ground,the shield members 34A, 34B act as a brake to inhibit the wheels 52 fromrolling. To move the wheelbarrow 10, a user biases the handle member 42downwardly causing the frame assembly 12 to pivot about the axle 50 andthereby lifting the shield members 34A, 34B off the ground. Once theshield members 34A, 34B are off the ground, the user may easily move thewheelbarrow 10 by pushing or pulling on the handle member 42 therebycausing the wheelbarrow 10 to roll on the wheels 52. Once thewheelbarrow 10 is in a desired position, the user discontinues thedownward force on the handle member 42 and allows the shield members34A, 34B to contact the ground.

To empty the hopper 60, the user may use either of the two pivot points90, 92. That is, the user may, as with a traditional wheelbarrow, lifton the handle member 42. This action will cause the entire wheelbarrow10, including the hopper 60, to pivot about the second pivot point 92.As noted above, the second pivot point 92 corresponds to the groundcontact point 27 which, in this embodiment, is the second vertex 32. Asthe hopper 60 pivots, material in the hopper will spill out. Because theweight of the wheelbarrow 10 and the material rests on the shieldmembers 34A, 34B at the second pivot point 92, the second pivot point 92is not easily moved relative to the ground. That is, a large force wouldbe required to overcome the static friction between the shield members34A, 34B and the ground in order to cause the wheelbarrow 10 to moverelative to the ground. Accordingly, the second pivot point 92 is astationary pivot point.

Alternatively, the user may lift on the hopper handle member 84. Thisaction causes the hopper assembly 14 to move from the first position tothe second position. That is, the hopper assembly 14, including thehopper 60, is tilted forward. As the weight of the hopper assembly 14and the material contained therein is being supported entirely by therisers 28A, 28B, there is a substantial downward force acting throughthe risers 28A, 28B on the shield members 34A, 34B at the second pivotpoint 92. As before, when there is a downward force acting on the shieldmembers 34A, 34B, the second pivot point 92 is not likely to moverelative to the ground. When the second pivot point 92, and thereforethe frame assembly 12, is not easily moved relative to the ground, thefirst pivot point 90 is also not easily moved relative to the ground.Accordingly, the first pivot point 90 is a stationary pivot point. Theuser may also empty the hopper 60 utilizing both the first and thesecond pivot points 90, 92 consecutively or simultaneously.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A wheelbarrow comprising: a frame assembly having at least one wheelrotatably coupled thereto and a forward extension extending beyond saidat least one wheel; a hopper assembly having a hopper; said hopperpivotally coupled to said frame assembly at a first pivot point; saidforward extension having a ground contact point structured to act as asecond pivot point; said hopper structured to be emptied by pivotingsaid hopper about either the first or the second pivot points; andwherein said first and second pivot points are stationary pivot pointswhen said hopper is being emptied.
 2. The wheelbarrow of claim 1,wherein said hopper has a front edge and said hopper is pivotallycoupled to said frame assembly adjacent to said hopper front edge. 3.The wheelbarrow of claim 1, wherein said frame assembly includes anelongated handle portion, a riser having a distal end portion, and anaxle; said wheel coupled to said axle; said axle coupled to said handleportion; said forward extension extending forward beyond said wheel;said riser extending upwardly from said forward extension; and saidhopper front edge coupled to said riser distal end portion.
 4. Thewheelbarrow of claim 3, wherein said hopper assembly further includes ahopper frame assembly; said hopper coupled to said hopper frameassembly; and said hopper frame assembly pivotally coupled to saidriser.
 5. The wheelbarrow of claim 4, wherein said handle portion iscoupled to forward extension at a first vertex; said forward extensionis coupled to said riser at a second vertex; and said second vertex issaid ground contact point.
 6. The wheelbarrow of claim 5, wherein saidframe assembly includes a shield member at said second vertex.
 7. Thewheelbarrow of claim 5, wherein said hopper has a back side; and saidhopper frame assembly includes a handle member adjacent to said backside.
 8. The wheelbarrow of claim 5, wherein said at least one wheelincludes a first and a second wheel; and said first and second wheelsdisposed on opposite sides of said hopper.
 9. The wheelbarrow of claim8, wherein said frame assembly includes a right side frame and a leftside frame held in spaced relation; each said right and left side framehaving a handle portion, an axle mount, and a forward extension; andsaid axle extending between said axle mounts.
 10. The wheelbarrow ofclaim 7, wherein said frame assembly includes a handle member extendingbetween the right side handle portion and the left side handle portion.11. The wheelbarrow of claim 5, wherein said frame assembly includes aright side frame and a left side frame held in spaced relation; eachsaid right and left side frame having a handle portion, an axle mount,and a forward extension; and said axle extending between said axlemounts.
 12. The wheelbarrow of claim 11, wherein said frame assemblyincludes a handle member extending between the right side handle portionand the left side handle portion.
 13. The wheelbarrow of claim 5,wherein the angle of both the first and second vertex is less than about90 degrees.